La Salle beats FEU, 74-69, just one win away from the Finals!

The De La Salle Green Archers extended its amazing winning streak as they defeated the FEU Tamaraws, 74-69, in a playoff match to earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. The Archers are on a roll, winning eight straight games, and are one win away from its first finals appearance since 2008. They controlled the game from start to finish, leading by as much as 15, during the fourth quarter. As expected, FEU made a furious rally. With La Salle’s lead down to five points with 55 seconds left in the game, LA Revilla drilled a dagger three pointer to seal the win for the Archers.

Review of the Keys of the Game

Rebounding

This was a close rebounding battle but La Salle won the battle of the boards at 48-44. They also the won the offensive rebounding battle, 14-12. Jeron Teng led the way for the Archers with 10 rebounds while Jason Perkins and Arnold Van Opstal chipped in seven rebounds each. La Salle is showing that they have what it takes to win the rebounding battle here in the Final Four. Jeron Teng, Arnold Van Opstal, Jason Perkins and Norbert Torres are all capable of rebounding in double digits on any given game.

‘Vosotres’

An ‘X’ mark for this one as Almond Vosotros struggled for the third straight game. He only had four points and a horrible 0/9 from the three-point line! Fortunately, the other Archers stepped up in the three-point shooting department. LA Revilla saved the day with an amazing 6/11 from rainbow distance! Matt Salem and Thomas Torres had two triples a piece while Jason Perkins has one.

Jason Perkins should step up in his first playoff game.

The regular season is different from the playoffs whether in the NBA, PBA or the UAAP. Fortunately for La Salle, Jason Perkins proved that his consistent elimination round showing is no fluke. Playing in the first playoff game of his college career, Perkins stepped up and contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists.

The Good

When asked if this was his best game ever, LA Revilla said in jest that he had better games in “inter-barangay” leagues. But no questions asked, this was his best game of his college career. The veteran point guard turned into “points guard” mode as he exploded for 20 points highlighted by six huge triples! With Vosotros struggling to get into “Vosotres” mode, Revilla stepped up and made the dagger threes. Jeron Teng also had a good all-around game with 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals – good all-around “fantasy”-like numbers for the King Green Archer! La Salle also played good perimeter defense as FEU was limited to a horrible 5/34 shooting from long distance. And even though MVP Terrence Romeo scored 22 points, he had to bleed for those points in a miserable 6/21 shooting.

The Bad

Almond Vosotros struggled for the third straight game. I am not so sure if the Archers can win a fourth straight game without a “Vosotres” performance. Hopefully, Almond can regain his shooting stroke for Wednesday. Also, FEU made 19/35 for 54% in the two-point field goal statistic. La Salle would need better interior defense for the next game.

Final Thoughts

After a 3-4 start, who thought that La Salle would be in this position – just a win away from the finals? But this is for real! La Salle is the perfect example of a team peaking at the right time, an eight -game winning streak and on the verge of making it nine in a row for a spot in the championship round. La Salle just needs to keep focus at the task at hand. It’s time for the Archers to show that they have the killer instinct necessary for a champion team!